ABB REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE

Description

ABB REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE

Product introduction

The REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE is a advanced numerical relay from ABB, designed to protect and control medium-voltage (MV) feeders in distribution networks and industrial plants. As a key member of ABB’s REF600 series, this relay integrates protection, measurement, and control functions into a compact device, making it a cornerstone of modern power system automation.

At its core, the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE monitors current, voltage, and frequency in 6-36 kV networks, detecting faults such as short circuits and earth leaks. When a fault is identified, it triggers protective actions—like tripping circuit breakers—within milliseconds to limit damage and ensure safety. Beyond protection, it provides real-time measurements (power, energy, harmonics) and supports remote control via digital communication, enabling smart grid integration. In a municipal distribution network, the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE acts as both a guardian against electrical faults and a data hub, feeding critical insights to SCADA systems for optimized grid management.

Core advantages and technical highlights

Advanced protection algorithms: The REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE features adaptive overcurrent protection that adjusts to network conditions, reducing false trips. A rural utility reported a 40% drop in nuisance tripping after deploying the relay on 12 kV feeders with high inrush currents from agricultural pumps. Its directional overcurrent (67) function accurately identifies fault direction in meshed networks, cutting fault localization time from 2 hours to 15 minutes.

Digital substation readiness: With IEC 61850 Ed. 2.1 compliance, the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE seamlessly integrates into digital substations. It uses GOOSE messaging for fast inter-relay communication and MMS for data exchange, eliminating 80% of hardwiring in a 20 kV industrial substation upgrade. The relay’s support for time-synchronized measurements (IEC 61588 PTP) enables precise fault location using synchronized waveform capture.

Rugged reliability: Rated for -40°C to +70°C operation, the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE thrives in extreme environments. A mining operation in Siberia deployed the relay in outdoor switchgear, where it maintained full functionality despite -35°C winters, outperforming competitor relays that required heated enclosures. Its conformal coating resists dust and moisture, ensuring 99.99% availability in coastal substations with high humidity.

Flexible configuration: The relay’s modular design allows custom protection schemes via ABB’s Relay Setting Tool software. A food processing plant configured the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE to prioritize backup generator activation during utility outages, ensuring uninterrupted operation of refrigeration systems. Its 16 digital inputs accommodate diverse sensors, from breaker position switches to fire alarms, without hardware modifications.

ABB REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE

Typical application scenarios

Utility distribution networks: In a 12 kV urban distribution grid, the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE protects overhead and underground feeders. It detects phase-to-phase faults and isolates faulty sections using directional logic, minimizing customer outages. During a storm-induced tree contact fault, the relay tripped the feeder in 8 ms, preventing damage to transformers and reducing restoration time by 2 hours compared to legacy electromechanical relays.

Industrial power systems: A pulp and paper mill uses the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE to protect 20 kV feeders supplying large motors and boilers. Its thermal overload (49) function monitors motor current, preventing overheating during peak production. The relay’s breaker failure (50BF) protection ensures backup breakers trip if the primary breaker fails, avoiding cascading outages in the mill’s critical power chain.

Renewable energy integration: In a 30 MW solar farm, the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE connects the 33 kV collection system to the grid. It regulates voltage (59/27) to meet grid codes during fluctuating solar output and communicates real-time generation data via Modbus TCP/IP to the plant SCADA. During a voltage sag, the relay rapidly disconnected the farm from the grid, protecting inverters and ensuring compliance with grid stability requirements.

Related model recommendations

REF615B_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA2XE: A variant with enhanced harmonic protection, ideal for industrial networks with variable frequency drives (VFDs) that generate harmonics.

REF615C_E HAFBABAAABE1BCA1XE: Includes arc flash protection (50AF) for switchgear, suitable for metal-clad switchboards in manufacturing plants.

REF620A_E HBNEABAAABE1BCA1XE: High-voltage version (up to 145 kV) with differential protection, used in substation transformer protection alongside the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE.

RET670A_E HACFABAAAGNE1BCA1XE: ABB’s bay controller that coordinates multiple REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE relays in large switchyards, enabling synchronized protection and control.

RER620A_E HXXFABAAAGNE1BCA1XE: Feeder protection relay with added distance protection (21), complementary to the REF615A_E in long-distance distribution lines.

CMU800 3BSE050090R1: Condition monitoring unit that pairs with the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE to track breaker contact wear and predict maintenance needs.

HMI750 1KBC106171R0002: Touchscreen HMI for local control of the REF615A_E, displaying real-time measurements and fault logs for quick diagnostics.

REF610A_E HAFEABAAABE1BCA1XE: Compact version for low-voltage (up to 1 kV) applications, sharing programming software with the REF615A_E for consistent setup across voltage levels.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Mount the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE in a switchgear compartment with ambient temperature <70°C, using M4 screws for panel mounting (flush or surface). Ensure 50 mm clearance for ventilation. Connect current transformers (CTs) with 100/5 A or 200/5 A ratios and voltage transformers (VTs) with 100 V secondary, using shielded twisted-pair cables (0.75 mm²). Ground shields at both ends to reduce EMI. Verify insulation resistance (>100 MΩ at 500 VDC) between all circuits before energization.

Maintenance suggestions: Inspect quarterly for loose terminals and dust—clean with compressed air. Annually perform secondary injection tests using ABB’s Test Kit to verify protection function timing (e.g., overcurrent trip time <50 ms at 2x rated current). Check relay outputs for contact resistance (<100 mΩ) and update firmware via USB using ABB’s Service Tool annually. For communication issues, verify IEC 61850 GOOSE mappings and PTP time synchronization. Replace the internal backup battery (ABB part 3HAC031684-002) every 5 years to preserve event logs during power loss.

Service and guarantee commitment

ABB provides a 5-year warranty for the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE, covering defects in materials and workmanship. During this period, ABB offers free replacement of faulty units and 24/7 technical support via its global network of relay specialists, with average response times under 2 hours for critical faults.

Customers gain lifetime access to firmware updates, setting guides, and training materials through ABB’s Digital Services Portal. Optional services include on-site commissioning with IEC 61850 certification and relay coordination studies to optimize protection settings. ABB guarantees spare parts availability for 15 years post-production, ensuring long-term support for power networks. This commitment reflects confidence in the REF615A_E HAFAABAAABE1BCA1XE’s reliability and ABB’s dedication to minimizing customer downtime in critical power infrastructure.